Praise for Chargers OL coach

New York Jets free safety LaRon Landry (30) moves in for a tackle on Buffalo Bills running back C.J. Spiller (28) during the first half an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)
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New York Jets free safety LaRon Landry (30) moves in for a tackle on Buffalo Bills running back C.J. Spiller (28) during the first half an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)
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D’Alessandris could fill the role of tough-guy line coach straight out of Central Casting. In frigid Buffalo, he often wore shorts during late-season practices. Pity the blocker who screwed up during training camp, for D’Alessandris might air him out within earshot of fans.

Chargers blockers, to be sure, will need to be on their toes. “Joe likes guards that can move,” Kelso said. “They’ll run that little toss, where the tight end blocks down and the guard and tackle pull to the playside.

Kelso added: “You’ll see zone blocking; the guys are so big, and you’re running stretch plays. He understands the running game.”

The Bills favored a quick-pass attack, which reduced hits on quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. D’Alessandro’s men often did their part. The Bills had the league’s fewest sacks (23) in 2011. That’ll please Philip Rivers, the AFC’s sack leader in ’12.

Buffalo’s run game, blessed with above-average backs in Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller, was fifth in yards per carry in 2011 and fourth last year.

Making a clean break from Gailey, who went 16-32, coach Doug Marrone fired all but one assistant.

“I was disappointed the Bills didn’t retain Joe,” Kelso said. “He has a great approach with his guys, a great work ethic. And he invests in developing his guys as young men.”

D’Alessandris was the Chiefs’ assistant offensive line coach before joining Gailey. He coached in the Canadian league and with several Division I colleges. He replaces Hal Hunter, San Diego’s line coach since 2007, now the Colts’ assistant offensive line coach.